Assistant Borough Attorney

Responsible for performing a wide variety of legal research, providing legal opinions, and making court appearances on behalf of the Borough and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Borough Attorney, with technical independence in litigation and in legal research.

This position is a flexible job class; placement depends on experience and the needs of office. See Position Details for more information.  

REPORTS TO:                              Borough Attorney
POSITIONS SUPERVISED:          None

1.    Provides legal advice to the Borough Mayor, Assembly, and boards and commissions on a regular or as-needed basis, including attendance at evening meetings.
2.    Direct client counseling of Borough and School District staff members in order to solve a wide range of legal problems arising from Borough and School District operations.
3.    Drafts legislation to be introduced before the Borough Assembly.
4.    May be required to act as Borough Attorney during absences of the Borough Attorney.
5.    Prepares and reviews contracts, leases, and other documents for use by the Borough.
6.    Prepares legal opinions concerning correct procedures, statutory interpretation and status of the law; submits opinions to the Borough Attorney. 
7.    Prepares research memoranda for use by the Borough Attorney, addressing complex legal questions.
8.    Represents the Borough and School District in all types of adversarial proceedings and litigation, including before State and Federal courts and in administrative forums; prepares pleadings and briefs, interviews witnesses; investigates claims against or on behalf of the Borough; appears as trial attorney; prepares motions; negotiates settlements; etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1.    JD from an accredited law school, and membership in good standing in the Alaska Bar Association. Applicants who are current candidates pending admission to the Alaska Bar Association by waiver, reciprocity, or UBE transfer may be considered if they can obtain an immediate supervised practitioner permit and can demonstrate eligibility for successful admission within 120 days of employment. Applicants that are not members of the Alaska Bar will be employed as a Law Clerk pending admission.
2.    Must be available for after-hours work and meetings, as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1.    Demonstrated knowledge of legal research techniques and skill in preparation of briefs and formal legal opinions.
2.    Ability to prepare and present sound legal positions during litigation.
3.    Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
4.    Ability to deal harmoniously and effectively with clients, co-workers, government officials, the general public, and the bench and bar.
5.    Experience in trials, litigation, appeals, municipal law and/or administrative law preferred.
6.    PREFERRED: Ability to have and maintain a valid driver’s license and to meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough’s insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of insurance at statutory limits must be provided. (A CURRENT COPY OF DRIVING RECORD WILL BE REQUESTED AT TIME OF HIRE)
OTHER
1.    This position requires a criminal background check.
2.    A legal writing sample of at least five pages is required to be submitted with the application.
3.    This position is a flexible job class; placement depends on experience and the needs of office. Current staff is eligible for advancement when milestones are met: 
Level III: Initial level of practice and/or little to no municipal experience.  Handles routine noncomplex cases or legal problems independently, works under general supervision of borough attorney.  May assist experienced attorneys in more complex cases where considerable research and analysis is needed.
Level IV: Minimum four years’ experience as a practicing attorney and demonstrated ability to use own judgment.  Handles cases of a moderately difficult nature; analyzes complex legal documents for clarity and legal sufficiency.  Must have demonstrated knowledge of municipal law and local government powers and ability to handle cases and legal problems of a moderately difficult nature (e.g., those with arguable precedent or several and conflicting issues).
Level V: Minimum seven years’ experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on municipal law and/or complex litigation.  Handles difficult or specialized litigation with complex legal or factual issues (cases may have substantial impact to borough interests). Does not supervise but may direct the work of less experienced attorneys or support staff.  Must have demonstrated ability to independently handle cases and legal problems of a difficult nature (e.g., those lacking clear precedent or with factual complexity). Must have knowledge of principles of personnel supervision; supervisory experience is preferred. Must be a member in good standing in the Alaska Bar Association.

JOB CONTACTS:
All levels of management at Borough and School District, legal community, and general public.
JOB RESPONSIBILITY:
See basic functions and typical duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
General office where conditions are pleasant, good and clean. Conditions where accidents/hazards are negligible; requires short periods of light lifting, pushing or pulling (1-26 lbs.).
 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Application Procedure:

 Apply Online

Individuals interested in applying for this position must submit a completed online application on or before the closing date and time as specified in the Job Posting. Online applications can be located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/FNSB.

For additional information please call (907) 459-1202 or the Borough Direct Job Line at (907) 459-1206.

The Borough complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation to participate in the interview/selection process, please be sure to complete this section of the online application.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER